Maternal resolution of loss and abuse: Associations with adjustment to the transition to parenthood

Abstract

This study examined relationships between mothers' resolution of past loss and abuse and their adjustment to the transition to parenthood. Three groups of mothers were compared: 1) those who were unresolved with respect to loss or abuse (Unresolved Loss/Abuse), 2) those who had experienced loss or abuse, but were considered resolved (Resolved Loss/Abuse), and 3) those who had not experienced loss or abuse (No Loss/Abuse). Mothers in the Resolved Loss/Abuse group reported more negative perceptions of the transition to parenthood than did mothers in the No Loss/Abuse group, which may reflect a greater awareness of negative emotions and a greater ability to communicate openly about them. Although mothers who have experienced loss or abuse and appear to have resolved these experiences may be at risk for distress during the transition to parenthood, they do not appear to be at risk for insensitive care giving. Unresolved loss, however, was associated with less sensitive care giving. The findings of this study highlight the importance of examining current state of mind regarding past expe- riences when investigating relationships between childhood loss and abuse and adjustment to subsequent life transitions. RESUMEN: Este estudio examinolas relaciones entre las resoluciones maternas acerca de perdidas y maltratos o abusos en el pasado, y su reajuste a la transicion hacia la maternidad. Se compararon tres grupos de madres: 1) aquellas que aun no habian resuelto su problema con respecto a la perdida o al abuso (Perdida/Abuso sin resolver), 2) aquellas que habian experimentado perdida o abuso, pero que lo consideraban parte de su pasado (Perdida/abuso resueltos), y 3) aquellas que no habian experimentado perdidas ni maltratos o abusos (Sin perdidas/abuso). Las madres en el segundo grupo reportaron mas percepciones negativas en cuanto a la transicion a la maternidad que las madres del tercer grupo, lo cual pudiera reflejar una mayor conciencia de las emociones negativas y una mayor habilidad para comunicarse abiertamente sobre ese tema. Aunque las madres que habian experimentado perdidas o abusos y parecian haber resuelto estas experiencias pudieran estar bajo riesgo de afliccion y angustia durante la transicion a la maternidad, no parecen estar bajo riesgo en cuanto a la falta de sensibilidad del cuidado que le deben